Author: Kat Tretina / Source: Wise Bread
If you have an ongoing medical condition, you know how expensive health care can be. Medical costs have skyrocketed the past several years, leaving people facing the very real possibility that doctor’s visits, prescriptions, and procedures could deplete their bank account or even land them in debt.
There are ways to make medical care more affordable. However, a lot of people miss out on some important discounts. Below, find out what costly mistakes you might be making at the doctor’s office.
1. You don’t comparison shop for prescriptions
When it comes to medication, the price you pay can vary from location to location. If you go to the same pharmacy every time and never shop around, you could be overpaying for your prescriptions.
GoodRX is a site that allows you to compare prices at several different local pharmacies at once, ensuring you get the best price. According to the site, if you had a prescription for the antidepressant Lexapro and filled it at Walmart, you’d pay $46.29. But, if you filled it at Costco, you’d pay just $10.50.
2. You don’t ask for generic medication
If your doctor prescribes you a new medication, going with a name brand can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. For example, if you were to fill a prescription for Crestor, a medication for high cholesterol, it would cost you about $825 for a 90-day supply, according to Drugs.com. By contrast, if you got the generic version — rosuvastatin — you’d pay just $96 for the same supply.
When you’re at the doctor’s office, be sure to ask your doctor if there is a cheaper generic version available.
3. You don’t use a discount prescription card
If you don’t have insurance and need to fill a prescription, you can expect a hefty bill. However, you might not have to pay the sticker price on your own.
There are free discount programs you can sign up for to get your prescriptions at a much cheaper price. For example, if you sign up for a program like FamilyWize, you can get up to 90 percent off your prescriptions’ prices. (See also: 7 Ways You Can Save Money On Prescription Medications)
4. You don’t show up to appointments
Many doctor’s offices are cracking…
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